The Biodiversity of Invertebrates in Saltwater and Freshwater
The Biodiversity of Invertebrates in Saltwater and Freshwater Wetlands By: Nina Inayan, Faith Francioso and Jaclyn Corbin Materials and Methods Abstract • Samples were collected in a saltwater and freshwater area at Caumsett State Park during the fall • A total of 19 samples were collected • Collaborated with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory by participating in their DNA Barcoding Program • 11 out of our 19 samples were eligible to be sent to the laboratory and have their DNA identified • DNA amplified through PCR in order to be studied • Gel electrophoresis was used to amplify the successful samples • The DNA sequences were blasted forward and reverse • Species of the samples was then found out • No crossover of species was apparent Hypothesis How does salinity affect the invertebrates present in wetland environments? Conclusions • Based on research we can conclude that there is a distinct difference between invertebrates inhabiting freshwater environments versus saltwater environments • Clearly showed no similar organisms found in both environments • Insects and insect larvae found at the fresh water site • Crustaceans found at the saltwater site • Salinity plays a role in what organisms are present Materials: • Sampling equipment 1. Nets 2. Quadrant 3. Water tests 4. Soil tests • DNA Isolation Kit • Centrifuge • PCR • Gel electrophoresis Methods : • Samples were collected from both sites using the proper equipment needed • Abiotic factors were recorder from each site • Samples were preserved in ethyl alcohol until DNA from each organism needed to be isolated • DNA was isolated and primer specific to invertebrates was added • Samples were placed in various hot water baths and put in a centrifuge • PCR and gel electrophoresis used to amplify DNA • Samples within 700 base pairs were eligible to be blasted through DNA Subway to identify the species Results Background Questions : • “Will the same invertebrates be found in freshwater as those in saltwater? If not, what types of invertebrates will be found in each environment? ” • “What characteristics allow them to survive in that level of salinity? ” Prior Research • Researched environments with the necessary conditions • Two areas need to be strictly salt or freshwater, not a mix • The freshwater area would contain more stagnant water than the saltwater location • Expected to find insects at the freshwater site • Expected to find crustaceans at the saltwater site • Predicted that there would be little to no crossover between the species found at each site • Likely that the invertebrates found at the freshwater site would be located in the mud at the floor of the lake • The invertebrates found at the saltwater site would be found on or underneath rocks at the shore to avoid being swept away by the current. RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2015 www. Poster. Presentations. com Species Found at Freshwater Site: • proasellus sp • liceolus hardeni • coenagrionidae sp • coenagrionidae larvae Species Found at Saltwater Site: • physella acuta • mytilus trossulus • geukensia demissa • urosalpinx cinerea Abiotic Factors: Freshwater: Date Collected: 12/2/15 Time Collected: 10: 48 am Location: Caumsett State Park Salinity: 0 Water Temperature: 11 degrees Celsius Air Temperature: 12 degrees Celsius Latitude: 40 57’ 55”N Longitude: 73 15’ 58”W Soil p. H: 5 Water p. H: 7 Dissolved Oxygen: 8 ppm Water Nitrate Level: 5 ppm Water Phosphate: 1 ppm Soil Nitrogen: low Soil Phosphorous: low Saltwater: Date Collected: 12/2/15 Time Collected: 9: 54 am Location: Caumsett State Park Salinity: 23 Water Temperature: 10 degrees Celsius Air Temperature: 11 degrees Celsius Latitude: 40 56’ 17”N Longitude: 73 27’ 31”W Soil p. H: 7 Water p. H: 7 Dissolved Oxygen: 4 ppm Water Nitrate Level: 5 ppm Water Phosphate: 1 ppm Soil Nitrogen: low Soil Phosphorous: low • Most of the species found at the saltwater location were enclosed in a hard shell for protection From the environment and predators • Organisms found in freshwater were found buried in the mud or on the surface of the water • Their difference in appearance shows what unique structures and abilities the different invertebrates Need to survive in their environment Future Directions • We plan to try and determine whethere is a crossover of organisms that can survive in both salt and freshwater. • Determine the differences in characteristics of the organisms that inhabit saltwater, and those that inhabit freshwater • What allows these organisms to tolerate high or low levels of salinity ? • Can organisms survive changes in their environments level of salinity
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